Sunrise, Florida – A Florida tow truck driver is facing child neglect charges after allegedly towing a car with a 4-year-old girl inside, causing her to fall onto the roadway and sustain injuries to her arms and calf, authorities said. Surveillance video and witness statements reportedly confirm the terrifying incident, which took place outside a Bistro Creole restaurant in Sunrise, Florida.
Alleged Incident Sparks Chase Through Plaza
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded while the girl’s father briefly stepped into the restaurant. When he returned, he saw his Honda Accord being towed by Sergio Jesus Suarez, who claimed the vehicle was illegally parked.
The father immediately ran after the tow truck, yelling that his daughter was inside. Despite his warnings and banging on the driver’s window, Suarez allegedly accelerated and continued driving with the child still inside.
Authorities say the father chased the truck through a plaza and onto West Oakland Park Boulevard, witnessing his daughter fall out of the rear driver-side door onto the roadway.
Surveillance Video and Witness Statements
Police obtained surveillance footage from the scene showing Suarez initiating the tow and leaving without checking the vehicle for occupants. A nearby witness corroborated the father’s account, describing the girl falling from the vehicle while the tow truck continued at high speed.
“[Suarez’s] actions constituted culpable negligence and demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of a minor, directly resulting in injury to the child,” the arrest report states.
Child Sustains Injuries
The 4-year-old was hospitalized with injuries to both arms and her right calf. The father quickly ran into traffic to rescue his daughter and move her to safety, preventing further harm.
Authorities noted that the combination of failing to inspect the vehicle and continuing to drive despite being alerted about the child created a “foreseeable and substantial risk of serious bodily harm or death,” prompting the child neglect charge.
Court Hearing and Bond
Suarez appeared at a bond hearing Monday night, where Judge Corey Friedman reprimanded him for his alleged conduct.
“This is one that stuck out to me this morning,” the judge said. “He admitted that he didn’t look at the vehicle and I think it’s also on surveillance.”
Suarez’s attorney argued that the driver had checked the vehicle three times before towing it and claimed there was no child inside at the time. Despite this, Suarez was released on bond, and no court date has been scheduled yet.
Community and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about towing company protocols and the safety of children left unattended in vehicles. Authorities emphasized the need for tow operators to thoroughly inspect vehicles before initiating a tow, especially in areas with high pedestrian and family traffic.
Officials also reminded parents to double-check vehicles for children and pets before leaving them unattended, even briefly.
Should tow truck operators face stricter penalties for neglecting vehicle inspections? How can communities ensure children are safe when vehicles are being towed? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
